rCOMSDEP Takes Responsible Cooperative Mining Sensitization to Upper East Region

The Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, has extended its nationwide sensitization drive to the Builsa North and Talensi Districts of the Upper East Region, deepening community awareness and participation in the government’s Responsible Cooperative Mining Scheme.

The latest engagements, held in Kadima and Gbani communities within the Bolgatanga operational area, brought together a wide cross-section of stakeholders including traditional leaders, local authorities, youth groups, and small-scale miners.

The meetings provided a platform for communities to better understand the benefits of the cooperative mining framework and the opportunities it presents for sustainable local development.

Promoting Organized and Sustainable Mining

Leading the sensitization team, Mr. Owusu Benpah Afriyie, Head of rCOMSDEP’s Technical Unit, explained that the cooperative model represents a shift from unregulated practices to a structured, transparent, and environmentally conscious mining system.

He noted that the framework will allow miners to work legally in groups, access financial support, benefit from technical training, and contribute to a Community Development Fund that will finance local infrastructure and social projects.

“Cooperative mining is not only about legality; it is about ensuring that our environment is safeguarded, our communities benefit, and our youth are given opportunities for decent employment,” Mr. Afriyie emphasized.

He further outlined the steps required to form mining cooperatives, stressing the importance of inclusivity, transparent leadership, and accountability in governance structures.

Geological Surveys and Land Reclamation Mr. Afriyie also highlighted the central role of geological surveys in mapping mineral availability before mining begins.

He cautioned that without proper surveys, mining activities often lead to wasteful practices and environmental damage.

He reiterated that land reclamation is a non-negotiable aspect of the scheme, ensuring that after mining operations, degraded lands are restored for alternative uses such as agriculture.

“The land must not be left bare. Once mining is done, it must be reclaimed to support farming and other livelihoods. That is the promise of responsible mining,” he said.

Registration and Local Participation As part of the engagement, registration documents were formally handed over to the Minerals Commission Manager in Bolgatanga to guide interested groups through the legal and administrative processes.

Officials clarified that prospective applicants are required to first engage District Chief Executives, traditional leaders, and other recognized authorities before filing their applications. This, they explained, would ensure community consent and orderly coordination.

Local Leaders Back Initiative

The sessions witnessed a strong turnout, with residents demonstrating keen interest in adopting the cooperative model.

The Member of Parliament for Talensi, Hon. Daniel Dung Mahama, praised the programme as a “transformational intervention” for resource-rich communities like Talensi.

He expressed gratitude to the President and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources for prioritizing responsible and community-centered mining.

“This initiative represents a bold step toward responsible natural resource management, poverty reduction, and economic empowerment. For the people of Talensi, it opens the door to sustainable livelihoods,” the MP said.

Traditional leaders present also welcomed the programme, pledging to work closely with government agencies to ensure smooth implementation.

Commitment to Sustainable Development

The engagements concluded with a renewed commitment among government officials, traditional authorities, and community stakeholders to collaborate in making cooperative mining a viable alternative to illegal operations.

Participants lauded rCOMSDEP’s vision of inclusive growth, environmental stewardship, and youth empowerment, stressing that if well implemented, the scheme could transform the mining sector in the Upper East Region and beyond.

Source: John Afful/rCOMSDEP/expressnewsghana.